. See storyline above.

Raymond Benson's version of 007 is adequate. This time 007, in order to save the world, must find a deadly virus. This virus is a highly altered version of the West Nile virus.

Benson takes you through the beautiful country of Japan and its nearby provinces. You'll learn about the Japanese mafia. You'll be intrigued by some unusual customs practiced their. This was a bare bones thriller. Fast-paced and quick to read.

Recommended for the hardcore Bond fan

Raymond Benson usually writes fast-paced novels that are easy to read. This novel is good, but is slow moving and tedious at points. If the reader can get past that, they ensure themselves a good read. If you are Bond fan, you enjoy rich detail, or if you enjoy a good read THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO is a must have.

James Bond has been given an assignment to babysit the prime minister at a G8 conference in Japan. Meanwhile, he is to investigate the death of an English businessman. This investigation will take Bond on a slow journey all over Japan, and ultimately a good one. Bond fans know that 007 has deep emotional roots in Japan, and can appreciate Benson's choice of Japan as a locale for the novel. The addition of Bond's old friend Tiger Tanaka is also quite welcomed.

Benson's writing has a few flaws this go around. It is slow moving and tedious at times. This is a direct contradiction from Benson's usual style. Also, it is obvious that Benson tries to write as an English author would. Sometimes, he fails in that quest with words like "stuff" and "whatever". However, it must be said that you are immersed in Japanese culture as you read and the vilain's motivations are chillingly genuine. That being said, if you enjoy good reads, buy Benson's THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO today.

The mini review prehaps says it best "a plot of such monstrous proportions that it could only have been hatched in the mind of a madman."
Not that I'm calling Raymond a madman, mind you! But the villians plot is one of the best ever in a Bond book. The location descriptions I felt at first were a bit padded, but I realized how much they make Japan part of the plot. It IS a different culture that Bond is experiencing and Benson explores that part of it really well. There is a reference to the events
(very, very briefly) of 9/11, and I can't help feeling that was a last minute addition.
There is also reference and people from the Fleming book "You Only Live Twice", Bonds' last foray into Japan. As usual, Raymond has to carefully dance around the time issue - Time has past and characters are older, but Bond is still around 42.
While it's not the best that Benson has written (I still think his last book is better than this one), it's damn close. Buy it, read it.
Now, if only Putnum would do something about the boring US covers!